He turned around and without missing a beat he said, “I was going to check on some plants I put in the yard the other day.”
“That can wait.” She turned to Minerva. “As soon as you finish that cake, go to Hannah’s room and wake her up and get her dressed. The preacher will be back at three and I have other company coming then, too.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Tobias, you can help her. I know you have ways to do things that I don’t. You have to make sure Hannah is downstairs and able to sit up in her chair before the guests arrive.”
He nodded but didn’t say anything.
“Now, don’t let me down. This is important to me. I can’t have anything going wrong this afternoon.” She turned and walked out of the kitchen.
Chapter 17
Tobias held his finger to his lip as he eased across the room and watched Verbena go through the dining room, then head down the hall. He turned to Minerva. “I’ve got to go find Mr. Jarrett.”
“What will she do if you don’t get back in time to do what she wants?”
“I’ve gotta take that chance. You knows what’ll happen to Miss Hannah if I don’t find him this time.”
Minerva bit her lip. “Tobias, does you think we could slip Miss Hannah outta the house and hide her from her aunt?”
Tobias frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“Well, if’n you don’t find Mr. Jarrett, is we going to stand by and let her marry Miss Hannah up with that crazy man who is really a child?”
“I don’t know how we can stop her, but I’ll think of something.” He turned toward the door. “Now, you finish your cake and go to Miss Hannah. Makes sure she’s dressed, in case we does have to do something drastic.”
“I will.”
“Say a prayer, woman. I think I might need one.”
“I’s been doing that all day without stopping, Tobias.”
He gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “You’s a good woman, Minerva.” He then went out the back door. He knew he was taking a chance of getting fired from his job, but at the moment, he didn’t care. He went to the stable and saddled Verbena’s horse and headed toward Jarrett’s hotel. He was petitioning God every step of the way that Jarrett would be there, because if he didn’t find MacMichael this time, he didn’t know what he’d do.
Did Minerva have the right idea? Should they slip Miss Hannah out of the house? If they did, where would they go? They didn’t know many people in town and those they were acquainted with were like themselves, servants to the rich. Those people wouldn’t have anywhere they could hide a crippled white girl. Besides, if they were caught, he had no doubt but what he and Minerva would both be hung for the deed. He was willing to take the chance for himself, but he wouldn’t let something like that happen to Minerva.
Arriving at the hotel, Tobias hitched the horse to a post and went inside the lobby with his hat in his hand. There was no customers at the check-in desk so he approached it. The man behind the counter glanced at him, but continued to look at the book before him. It wasn’t the desk clerk that Jarrett had been informed that Tobias was to be sent to him or told where he was every time the Negro showed up. Tobias realized this man didn’t know him so he stepped back and waited without saying anything.
Finally, the man looked up at him and snapped, “What do you want, darkie?”
“I need to speak to Mr. Jarrett MacMichael, sir.”
The clerk frowned. “Is Mr. MacMichael expecting you?”
“Yes, sir.”
The man snorted. “I know that’s a lie. Why can’t you people ever tell the truth?”
Tobias wanted to shout at the man, but he kept his voice low and respectful. “Miz Verbena Wedington sent me with a message for Mr. MacMichael, sir.”
“Mr. MacMichael didn’t say nothing about expecting a message. Now go along with you and stop bothering me.”
“Sir…”
The man looked directly at Tobias. “Do you want me to have you thrown out on the street?”
“No, sir, but I really needs to see Mr. MacMichael.”
“Well, you’re not going to.” The man looked around the lobby as if he was searching for someone.
Tobias knew he had lost the argument. He backed away and went out the door with his head hanging down. Now, what was he going to do?
♥♥♥
As Jarrett descended the hotel lobby stairs, he thought he recognized Tobias going out the door. He frowned and turned to the desk. “Who was that Negro man who was just in here?”
“Nobody important, Mr. MacMichael. I got rid of him ’cause I knew you wouldn’t want to be bothered.”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, he had some story about a message for you, but I knew it was a lie. You’d be surprised at how many of these darkies try to take a message to somebody important just to rob them, or something like that.”
“Did that man have a message for me?”
“He said he did, but as I said, I got rid of him.”
Jarrett couldn’t help himself. He reached across the desk and grabbed the startled man by the collar. “Listen here, and listen good. I don’t care what color a person’s skin is. When somebody comes to this desk with a message for me, you’d better get in touch with me immediately. If you don’t, you’re going to be sorry. Do you understand?”
Fear filled the man’s eyes. “But it was a Negro. They can’t be trusted.”
Jarrett shoved the man backward. “You fool. I’ll deal with you later.” He turned and strode out of the hotel where he saw Tobias climbing on a horse.
In a loud voice he yelled, “Tobias!”
The man turned, and the frown on his face turned into a big grin. “Mr. Jarrett. I’m glad I finally found you.”
Jarrett could tell the man was glad to see him. “What’s going on, Tobias?”
“Oh, sir, you ain’t gonna believe it. We needs you to come to the house right away. You’s got to stop a wedding.”
“What in the world are you talking about?”
“Miz Verbena is gonna marry Miss Hannah off to that idiot man Minerva told you about. You’ve got to stop her.”
Jarrett looked around and saw the benches on the side yard of the hotel. “Let’s go over there were we can talk in private, Tobias. You need to explain this to me.”
“I ain’t suppose to set on them benches. They’s for white people.”
“I don’t give a damn who they’re for. Come on.”
Tobias followed him.
After they were seated, Jarrett said, “Now, start at the beginning and tell me what this is all about, Tobias.”
“Minerva told you that Miz Verbena has decided that Miss Hannah needs to get married and she’s picked out this man who don’t have a good mind to marry her.”
“Yes, but I didn’t think it was taking place this soon.”
“We didn’t think so neither, but it is. She wants them to get married today. The man’s sister is helping her and she’s got the preacher coming at three o’clock to marry them. I heard them plan the whole thing two days ago.”
“Maybe Hannah wants to marry this man.” Jarrett didn’t want to admit to himself that this thought made him angry, but it did. How could Hannah want to marry a man whose mind was weak?
“No sir, she don’t want to marry him. She don’t know nothing about it.”
“How can she not know?”
“After she fell out of her chair…”
Jarrett’s eyes widened. “Is she hurt?”
“Yes, sir. She’s got a bump on her head and a hurt arm.”
Jarrett was getting more confused. “Why didn’t you come tell me?”
“I tried to find you, but I couldn’t.”
“Well, go on. You said she didn’t know anything about this marriage.”
“No, sir, she don’t. Miz Wedington give her some medicine. The doctor left it for her, but told Miz Wedington not to give it to Miss Hannah right away. She did anyway.”
&n
bsp; “I’m totally confused, Tobias.”
“I’m sorry I’m not explaining it no better, but you need to come to the house to stop this evil woman from forcing Miss Hannah to marry this man.”
“When is this wedding supposed to take place?”
“At three o’clock.”
Though Jarrett still wasn’t clear on what was happening, he knew he had to do something. He looked at his watch and quickly stood. “It’s two-thirty. Let’s go to the livery so I can rent a horse.”
♥♥♥
Minerva’s nerves were about to get the best of her, but she knew she couldn’t break down now. She’d used the cool, damp cloth to wash Hannah’s face several times. Finally, the young woman opened her eyes and muttered something.
“It’s alright, Sugar. You jest need to wake up a bit. You’ve got to fight what’s about to happen to you.”
Hannah frowned, but wasn’t coherent when she mumbled something the maid didn’t understand.
Minerva sat her on the side of the bed and knew the girl wanted to lay back down, but she took hold of her shoulders. “Miss Hannah, I’s got to get you dressed. Miz Wedington will be mad if I don’t.”
“She’s always mad about something,” Hannah muttered. This time her words were understandable.
“She shore is, but we’s don’t want to rile her today. We got to get away from her afore she messes up your life.”
Hannah frowned. “What’s happening?”
“I’s not shore, but we need to get your clothes on you so we can get you downstairs.”
“Where’s Tobias?”
“I don’t know. I hopes he gets back soon.” Minerva had Hannah’s underclothes on her and she picked up the dress. “Now, let’s get this over your head. Be careful, and don’t hurt your arm.”
The door opened and Verbena swept in. “Do you have her dressed yet?”
“We’re finishing up now, Miz Wedington.”
Hannah nodded and opened her eyes. “What’s going on, Aunt Verbena?”
Verbena ignored her. “Where’s Tobias? It’s two-thirty and he needs to get Hannah downstairs right away. My guests will be here anytime, now.”
“He’ll be here, ma’am.”
“He’d better be.”
There was the sound of knocking on the front door. “For heaven’s sake it must be the Sawyers. They’re early. Hurry up with her and fix her hair, Minerva. Then bring her downstairs.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Hannah lay back on the bed.
Verbena grabbed her good arm. “Get up from there. You can sleep after the ceremony.”
“I want to sleep.”
The knocking on the door grew louder.
“If something goes wrong today, you and Tobias will be sorry, Minerva. I’m holding you responsible.” With that, she hurried out the door.
“Oh, Miss Hannah, what are we gonna do?”
Hannah looked at Minerva and smiled. “Let’s take a nap.”
“I wish we’s could, but we gotta do what Miz Wedington says. I’s got to get you downstairs.” She put the last touches on Hannah’s hair, then turned. “Now, you wait here while I takes your wheelchair downstairs then I’ll come back and get you.”
Minerva hurried down with the wheelchair and put it in the parlor. Hurrying back upstairs, she found Hannah had fallen back on the bed and gone to sleep again.
Moving to her, Minerva raised her to a sitting position. “Honey child, you got to come with me. Your aunt wants you downstairs now.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“I don’t want to take you, but with Tobias gone, I don’t know nothing else to do, but does what she says for me to do.”
Though she struggled, Minerva managed to get her arms around Hannah. As she helped the girl down the back stairs, she wondered if she should’ve tried to carry Hannah. As it was, she prayed she wouldn’t fall or let the young woman stumble and pull them both down.
♥♥♥
Verbena seated Hilda and Calvin in the formal parlor. In an almost-whisper Verbena said, “Hilda, I thought I could convince the preacher, but he has his doubts about doing this. I need you to help me persuade him.”
Hilda looked disappointed. “I’ll do what I can, Mrs. Wedington. I so hope he’ll relent. This is important to me.”
“It is to me, too.” She motioned them to chairs. “Have you told Calvin anything?”
“I hear you talking about me.” Calvin butted in. “I don’t like for people to talk about me.”
“We’re not saying anything bad, brother. We’re just talking about the program. Take a seat over there and the program will start soon.”
“Hilda said I had a part in the program.” He grinned. “All I got to say is, ‘I do’ when the preacher asks me a question.”
“That’s correct, Calvin. Your sister told you the right words to say.”
“Where’s the crippled girl? Hilda said she had a part, too.”
“She’ll be here in a little while.” Verbena smiled at him. “Would you like some milk and cookies while you wait?”
“Yes, ma’am. I like cookies.”
There was a knock on the door. Verbena shook her head. “My butler is nowhere to be found. I guess I’d better get that. It’s probably the preacher.”
As she went into the entry hall, Verbena glanced into the informal parlor. She was relieved to see Minerva getting Hannah arranged in her chair. Though the girl’s head was drooping, the maid was coaxing her to wake up. She started to tell Minerva to get the door, then changed her mind. It would be better to let her stay with Hannah.
Opening the front door, Verbena plastered on a smile. “Reverend, welcome back.”
“I finished my supplications to God and have His leading. I decided to come back a little early. I decided I wanted to talk with the young people before making my final decision about their marriage.”
Verbena bit her lip to keep from asking how he was being led. Nodding, she said, “Come into the parlor. Calvin and his sister are there. I’m sure he’d like to talk with you.”
“How about your niece?”
“She’ll be there shortly.” She turned so he would follow her.
“Hello, Reverend Calhoun.” Hilda stood and bowed her head to him.
“Miss Sawyer.” He nodded back, then turned to her brother. “Hello, Calvin.”
“Hey, preacher. I’d rather have beer, but Mrs. Wedington is going to get me some milk and cookies. Do you want some?”
“No, thank you.”
“Have a seat, Reverend, and I’ll be right back,” Verbena said, and backed out of the room.
“Thank you, Mrs. Wedington.”
Verbena hurried to the kitchen. She found a plate of cookies and the tea pot which Minerva had left on a tray. She grabbed a glass, filled it with milk, picked up the tray and hurried back to the parlor. All the time, she was thinking of what she was going to do to Tobias when he showed up again. If she thought she could find another couple to do her bidding at the rate she was paying the Johnsons, she’d fire the both of them today. She was going to make them think she was going to let them go, anyway. A good warning might make them realize she wasn’t going to put up with their disobedience. She was certainly not going to pay them this month. That would teach him not to disappear when she needed him the most. It would make Minerva work a little harder, too, though the woman hadn’t done anything wrong. She could have at least kept up with where her man was going and when he was coming back.
When she entered the parlor Cedric Calhoun was saying, “So you like to come to visit Mrs. Wedington, Calvin.”
“Yes, sir. I get milk and cookies here. Hilda don’t let me have beer with my cookies at our house, either.”
Before the preacher could reply, Verbena set the tray down on the table. “And here are your milk and cookies, Calvin.”
“Goody, goody.” Calvin turned toward the tray and ignored everyone in the room as he grabbed a handful of cookies and his milk.
“I’m going to be in a program.” Calvin’s mouth was full of cookies and crumbs cascaded down the front of his shirt as he spoke.
Verbena started to say something, but the preacher said, “Please, Mrs. Wedington. I need to talk to Calvin without interruption.”
“But…” Hilda said.
“Both of you need to let me discuss this with Calvin and not interfere.”
Though she looked doubtful, Verbena said, “We’ll be quiet.”
The Reverend turned to Calvin. “What kind of program are you going to be in, young man?”
“I get to say a line and the cripple girl will say a line, then I get to live here.”
“Is that what you want to happen?”
“Sure. Hilda said Mrs. Wedington was going to get me a dog.”
“Does the cripple girl want you to live here, Calvin?”
“I guess so. I told her I’d run with her dog since she couldn’t walk.” He turned to Verbena. “Are you going to get her a dog, too?”
“If she wants one.”
“Somebody has to push her chair out there because I can’t push it. I make her fall.”
Cedric frowned. “What do you mean, Calvin? How do you make her fall?”
“I pushed her chair, but she fell out. We were going to see the place where me and the dog can play.” He looked as if a sudden thought crossed his mind and he turned to Mrs. Wedington. “You said she’d show me the yard when I came back. When is she coming to show it to me?”
“Soon, Calvin. Soon.”
“Well, Mrs. Wedington, it looks like Calvin is happy about getting married to your niece. If she feels the same way then I see no reason not to proceed with the ceremony.”
Hilda looked relieved and Verbena almost sprang from her chair. “I’ll bring her in here now, Reverend Calhoun, then you can marry them.”
“Then can I go see where I can play with the dog?”
“Yes, Calvin,” Hilda said. “Then you can go see the place where you’ll play.”
Hannah's Wishes Page 19